Angels Third-Round Pick Earns MLB Pipeline Recognition After Powerful Debut

The Los Angeles Angels may have found another promising power hitter in the third round of this year's MLB Draft.

Infielder Gavin Grahovac wasted little time making an impression during his first professional season, and his performance has earned national recognition.

MLB Pipeline named Grahovac the Angels' top-performing player from their 2026 draft class, highlighting his impressive debut with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.

Grahovac batted .304 with eight home runs, five doubles, one triple and 18 RBIs in just 24 games.

The 21-year-old also stole 13 bases while posting a .402 on-base percentage, .641 slugging percentage and 1.043 OPS.

His eight home runs came in just 92 at-bats, providing an early indication of the power that made him one of the Angels' most intriguing draft selections.

Los Angeles selected Grahovac out of Texas A&M with the 81st overall pick in July.

His professional success followed an impressive comeback from a serious shoulder injury that disrupted his college career.

Grahovac established himself as one of the Southeastern Conference's most dangerous hitters as a freshman in 2024, setting a Texas A&M freshman record with 23 home runs.

However, a torn labrum in his left shoulder limited him to just six games in 2025 and required surgery.

He returned healthy in 2026 and hit 22 home runs during his junior season, helping restore his standing among MLB draft prospects.

According to Baseball America, Grahovac also improved his strikeout rate to 16.5% while batting .339 with a .722 slugging percentage.

That combination of power and improved contact helped convince the Angels to select him in the third round.

Grahovac quickly demonstrated that his power could translate to professional baseball.

One of his most impressive performances came Aug. 25, when he homered twice against rehabbing San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta.

Both home runs came during Rancho Cucamonga's 5-3 victory over Lake Elsinore.

Grahovac's offensive potential had already attracted attention within the organization.

MLB Pipeline gave Grahovac a 60 power grade, underscoring the offensive potential he demonstrated during his professional debut.

The Angels also ranked Grahovac as their No. 10 prospect following the draft.

His performance adds to the optimism surrounding Los Angeles' highly regarded 2026 draft class.

The organization has worked to strengthen its minor league system through both the draft and trades, with several young players emerging as potential contributors.

Grahovac still faces questions about his long-term defensive position and ability to maintain consistent contact against more advanced pitching.

But his first professional season provided an encouraging glimpse of his offensive potential.

After overcoming a major injury and producing eight home runs in just 24 games, Grahovac has given the Angels another promising prospect to watch in 2027.